BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE: Andrey Santos and Estevao vie for the ball on Saturday

Image: AFP

HELLO my good football people, I trust you’re getting off to a great start this week…

It must be horrible supporting Manchester United at the moment.

​I was at my old club, FN Rangers, watching the Stamford Bridge showdown on Saturday.

Like most places in Cape Town, the club was riddled with United fans.

By the end of the game, I shared some advice… The type of advice I’ve been giving myself over the recent Todd Boehly years at Chelsea. Sometimes you’ve got to just write off a season, even as early as this. Let it run its course, don’t get too upset and hope change will be made ahead of next season.

I know it’s hard for an old geezer like the lads I was with and me, who have been die-hard supporters for decades; you can’t help but have hope and back your team for every game.

But the rot is turning into gangrene at Old Trafford and it does feel like it’s going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.

But as JK Rowling said: “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” IT HAS TO COME RIGHT and it’s almost guaranteed that it will.

​We can talk history, support, success, digital footprint, or whatever metric you believe to rate a club’s status.

I believe United top the list as the world’s most famous. The value it has as a brand, although currently tainted, makes it far too valuable for it not to be revitalised. However, it’s going to take more than a change of coach to get it going!

​The Red Devils weren’t bad in the first half. They were made to look better than they are by a poor Chelsea performance. They had more chances than the Blues, but needed to take one before a familiar collapse.

​You know, when that negative body language sets in, the drop-off in pace, the stupid individual decisions and mistakes leading to another inevitable loss.

That’s nine matches without a win! The great United, breaking records as they go marching on, on, on! It’s tough times for them.

Meanwhile, Arsenal delivered another important result on Sunday. I mean, it was horrible to watch. They just soaked up pressure for the best part of the game after going 1-0 up.

​Of course, some people are talking about a “defensive masterclass” stopping Liverpool from getting a single shot on target!

That’s quite something, but some desperate moments could have easily seen them lose by a couple.

DEFENSIVE MASTERCLASS: Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel

Image: AFP

​Unfortunately for the haters, like myself, you know it was the type of victory that builds title-winning campaigns.

Sometimes, it’s simply about discipline and a gambling game plan. There is a long, long way to go, but that was the sort of result that will give Arsenal genuine belief in retaining the Premier League title.

​Of course, it was made that much better by Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Similar in many ways to the Liverpool loss, Maresca’s men knocked on the door relentlessly but just couldn’t find a way through.

​I mentioned to a Scouse mate that watching the Reds pour forward and the Kop getting behind them felt like the old attacking Liverpool of a few years ago.

It wasn’t like that at City. It was pedestrian, over patient and lacked real creativity. I hate to say it, but it looks like those damn Gunners are going to be handed another title.

​And while we’re at it, Tottenham. Yes, Tottenham. I know it’s not often that they feature in a conversation, but have they really turned the corner?

It pains me to admit that last week’s 2-0 defeat of archrivals Chelsea seems to have sparked a revival. Two goals against Crystal Palace and another win make it three consecutive victories.

​Suddenly Spurs are walking with a bit of swagger. They’re beginning to look like a team with momentum, confidence and a genuine appetite for the season ahead.

Mate, if two things spoil a great weekend for me, it’s that lot and Arsenal getting results. I’m a sad b*****d.

​Champions League kicks off again tonight and tomorrow, and all eyes will be on Old Trafford tonight at 10pm as the (once) mighty United host Roma!

​Chat next week.

​Bye, bye.

SWAGGER: Jan Paul van Hecke

Image: Spurs Instagram